HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – The Golden Eagle tennis team finished off their week at Hilton Head Island on Friday, dropping a 7-2 decision to Methodist to close out Tennis Fest.  Clarion will commence with Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play on March 21 when they face Seton Hill.
 
The Golden Eagles got both of their wins in the singles session, with Hailey Germanoski and Sarah Kirmeyer earning wins at the Nos. 5 and 6 spots.  Germanoski won an exciting three-set bout with Hannah Higgins, rebounding from a first set loss to win the second 6-3 and the third 7-6 (8).  Kirmeyer defeated Allyson Hays in straight sets, dominating her for a 6-1, 6-1 win.
 
The top two singles matches were close, with Clarion coming very close to earning the win.  Alexis Strouse kept it tight against Jillian Garrett at No. 1 singles but ultimately fell 6-3, 6-4, while Katie Benson fell in a second set tiebreaker to Val Matute.  Methodist also took a pair of close wins in doubles, taking the No. 1 match by an 8-6 score and the No. 3 match in a tiebreaker.